K-Pop Hot 100: BAE CHI GI Stays at No. 1, CNLBUE Hot on Their Tail

Hip-hop duo BAE CHI GI spend a second week atop the K-Pop Hot 100 with their rap ballad “Shower Of Tears” featuring female vocalist Ailee. The No. 1 spot for BAE CHI GI is an astoundingly noteworthy achievement for the veteran pair-- comprised of Mu Woong and Tak--in their 15 year career.

The duo officially debuted in 2005 with "Nice to Meet You,"[3] but were actually working together since 1999. "Showers Of Tears," the title track (a.k.a. first single) to their mini-album "Vol.4 Part.2," expresses the heartache of a breakup. K-pop fans are clearly loving the immaculate combination of relatable lyrics, gutting guitar, tango instrument bandonion (played by famous French artist Olivier Monoury), BAE CHI GI’s rhythmical rapping and Ailee's pitch-perfect vocals. Though, the video does not feature Ailee but instead Yang Ji Won, member of rookie girl group SPICA. (SPICA’s “Painkiller”[4] was Billboard.com’s No. 15 Best K-Pop Song of 2012)

CNBLUE’s fourth EP “Re:BLUE,” their first Korean release in 10 months, was recently released with lead track "I'm Sorry," up one spot to No. 2 this week. “I'm Sorry” was co-composed and written by group's talented leader, Jung Yong Hwa. The group if often compared to Maroon 5 with this powerful modern rock track, h heightened with synthesizers and electronic guitars, is similar to the band’s earlier material. Jung Yong Hwa shouts in agony over his ex-girlfriend’s last words to him, “I’m Sorry.” The video has already amassed 1.7 million views.

Veteran hip-hop duo Leessang is this week’s biggest debut on the chart (No. 3) with their new single “Tears” featuring Eugene of rookie group The SEEYA. The song has two sides to it: an intense side with the duo’s aggressive rapping and singing and the hard-hitting beat and a sweet side with Eugene’s vocals and pretty piano backing. Leessang have been in the Korean industry for several years now making them one of the longest-standing hitmakers out there. Their continued popularity allowed them to hold successful shows in New York and Los Angeles last month. The official video to the track features K-diva NS Yoon-G and DMTN’s Daniel.

Elsewhere on the chart, “Superstar K” winner Huh Gak looks to be off to a promising start with his new duet “Monodrama” featuring Yoo Seung Woo.[5] The track debuts just below Lessang at No. 4. Huh Gak has already racked up two other K-Pop Hot 100 No. 1s with “Hello” (in Oct. 2011) and “I Need You” in Sept. 2012. Should he rack up another No. 1, he’d tie SISTAR and Busker Busker for the most number-one hits on the chart.

Other notable moves come from Girls’ Generation (who congratulated Billboard on their new K-Town column[6]) slipping to No. 5 (from No. 2) this week with “I Got A Boy,”[7] just as the girls announced they will stop promoting on music programs after this week. As well as big rises from MFBTY (a supergroup created from K-pop veterans Tiger JK, Yoon Mi Rae [a.k.a. Tasha] and Bizzy) with their dance-rap single “Sweet Dream”[8] racing from No. 40 to No. 13 just as the group finished a showcase at music industry event Midem. Additionally, female group Nine Muses earned the biggest hit of their career by far with their first Top 20 single with sensual jazz number “Dolls.”[9]

Check back each week when the K-Pop Hot 100 is refreshed every Thursday along with every other chart at Billboard.com!